A UK company dedicated to the world of film noir will hold its first-ever festival in Weston-super-Mare.

Film Noir UK will host the Film Noir Festival at the recently reopened Plaza Cinema in the heart of Weston-super-Mare.

Director of Film Noir Fest and co-founder of Film Noir UK, James Harrison said: “It’s all very exciting. Not only is Film Noir Fest a brand-new festival for the UK, but it’s a unique one as well.

“Attendees will be able to see the many aspects of crime films including classics from America, Britain, and Mexico; all showcasing some of the many directors and stars involved with noir.

“We’ll also be looking at more modern titles involving Neo-Noir as part of the festival. So, there is something for everyone… and it’s all on the big screen.

“Given the fact that some of the films we are screening would have been shown at the Plaza during their original runs in the 1940s and 1950s, makes this cinema the perfect venue.”

Over the course of the weekend Film Noir Fest: The Classic Noir and Crime Film Festival will include a selection of classic American and British Noir titles in a number of strands including ‘Dangerous Divas’, ‘London in Noir’ as well as a special selection of ‘1950s Mexican Noir’ titles under the festival’s ‘International Noir’ strand.

Film Noir Fest will also include a special ‘Heritage Noir’ strand looking at the influences of early cinema on film noir and three special screenings called ‘Late Night Neo Noir’ which will look at the more modern edge of noir.

The festival will also mark the centenary of stars Lauren Bacall (1924–2014) and Lee Marvin (1924-1987).

More festival strands will be announced nearer the time.

Company director of Merlin Cinemas, Craig May, said: "We're thrilled to welcome Film Noir Fest this November to the beautiful art deco Plaza cinema in Weston-super-Mare.

“While we continue to bring audiences the latest blockbusters, we're also passionate about celebrating the rich heritage of cinema, especially at historic locations like Plaza.

“That's why we're delighted to host Film Noir UK and help bring the genre's timeless intrigue back to the big screen.”

The festival will take place from November 15 to November 17, 2024.